An Evening with Cat Feaunati | Head of Business & Virtual Banking, Westpac

What does it really take to get ahead in business? And when it comes to money, what makes an idea, a business or an opportunity worth backing?

These are just some of the questions we'll be exploring at our next Business Women Collective event, and we've got someone pretty special joining us to help answer them.

We're delighted to welcome Cat Feaunati, Head of Business & Virtual Banking at Westpac New Zealand, who is travelling from Auckland to spend an evening with us here in Wānaka.

With an extensive banking career spanning New Zealand and the UK, Cat has held a variety of senior roles across business and consumer banking since joining Westpac in 2010. Today, she leads Westpac's newly established Business & Virtual Banking team, bringing together several key areas of the bank and helping shape the way New Zealanders access banking services.

But we're interested in more than just her impressive CV.

We'll be getting to know the woman behind the role, exploring the decisions that have shaped her career, the challenges she's navigated and what she's learnt about recognising opportunities, making bold moves and backing yourself along the way.

And then there's the money side of business.

What do banks actually look for when deciding whether to lend? How can you put yourself in the strongest position to secure funding? And what could Westpac's $100 million startup lending commitment mean for those with a business idea or ambitions to grow?

We'll be asking the questions many of us have wondered about, getting practical advice from someone who knows the industry inside out, and exploring opportunities that might not be on your radar.

Whether you're running your own business, building a career, involved in a family business or simply curious about what your next chapter could look like, there's something here for you.

You don't need a business plan, a big ambition or even a clear idea of what's next. Just an interest in learning something new, hearing a fresh perspective and making the most of an opportunity to hear from someone with a wealth of experience.

And because it's BWC, there'll be bubbles, delicious food and the chance to meet, mingle and make some valuable new connections with other local women.

A fascinating guest, genuinely useful insights and a lovely evening out. We're looking forward to sharing this one with you.